Phillips won’t play for the club but will train with the team (Picture: Portsmouth)

He was clearly delighted with the deal, telling a press conference: ‘It’s amazing to have signed for the club that I have supported since I was a boy.

‘The lads have treated me well and it’s an honour that I’m now an official member of the squad. I chose squad number 44 as it was my 44th birthday on Saturday.’

Having never played professional football, Phillips shouldn’t be expecting a 90 minute run out anytime soon, but he will take part in training sessions with the team – and have his name included in Match day programmes and on the club’s squad list.